150 New Jobs Created with fairlife Expansion, Infrastructure Investment in Ottawa County

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) Board approved support to update and enhance aging infrastructure in the City of Coopersville (Ottawa County), as well as support for an Alternative State Essential Services Assessment abatement to support an expansion of fairlife, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company that produces ultra-filtered, lactose-free milk and protein shakes. With this support, the company will invest up to $650 million in its facility and expects to create 150 new jobs.

"Michigan is open for business and on the move. Today's investment highlights how we're competing hard for transformational projects and good-paying, high-skill jobs," said Governor Whitmer."fairlife's investment will create 150 new jobs and power $650 million into west Michigan's economy. This is a huge win for Michigan, and proof that when we work together to improve our infrastructure, train our workers, and revitalize our places, we can compete with anyone."

"The West Michigan agribusiness corridor is a significant component of Michigan's overall economy, and it is imperative it has the infrastructure it needs to produce high-quality, high-recognition products that people across the nation know and enjoy," said Quentin Messer, Jr. CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and chair of the MSF. "We are thrilled to offer our support to the City of Coopersville and fairlife for projects that will impact every component of our 'Make it in Michigan' economic development strategy focused on People, Places, and Projects."

"The City of Coopersville is extremely excited about the opportunity to partner with the MEDC and the State through the Strategic Site Readiness Program to invest in critical water infrastructure that will strengthen our system's capacity and reliability for both current and future needs," said Dennis Luce, City Manager for Coopersville.

"This project is not only about improving essential services for our residents and businesses, it also positions us for continued economic growth. In particular, it supports the expansion of fairlife, one of our largest local employers, which is a significant win for our agricultural community here in West Michigan and for dairy suppliers across the entire state," Luce continued. "This is the kind of forward-looking investment that benefits our city, our region, and Michigan as a whole."

"Longterm partnerships like these are evidence that companies see the strength of Michigan's food, agriculture and forestry industry and want to leverage its success," said Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring. "This investment also reinforces our mission at the state of improving quality of life for Michiganders: We're committed to attracting projects that improve infrastructure and value-added processing in a way that benefits our industry, our communities and regional economies."

Site Readiness Funds Approved for Aging Public Infrastructure in the City of Coopersville

OVERVIEW: The MSF Board approved a $17 million Strategic Site Readiness Program (SSRP) grant for the City of Coopersville (Ottawa County)to use on improvements to a regional water system supporting residents and businesses in the City of Coopersville, Polkton Charter Township, and Allendale Charter Township. The current system is at 80% capacity and over 50 years old.

"Investments like this strengthen the region well beyond a single project," said Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage. "The combination of private investment and public infrastructure improvements helps address longstanding capacity constraints, supports existing employers, and creates the conditions needed for future business growth and job creation across the community. It also builds momentum for the Lakeshore's growing agribusiness and food production industry cluster, where reliable infrastructure and a strong supply chain are essential."

WHY IT MATTERS: A capable water system is critical to attract and retain residents and employers alike, especially as specific infrastructure needs continue to evolve for both. By ensuring the system is ready for current and future demand expectations, the region can begin planning for much-needed housing and court other economic opportunities that cannot currently be considered with otherwise aging infrastructure. The infrastructure updates will also complement upgrades underway with the Southeast Regional Force Main project .

fairlife to Create 150 New Jobs, Bolster Michigan's Agribusiness Industry

OVERVIEW : The Coca-Cola Company plans to expand production capacity at its fairlife facility in Coopersville (Ottawa County)by adding two additional state-of-the-art, high-speed production lines. fairlife, a producer of lactose-free milk and protein shakes, is experiencing significant growth and needs to expand production to meet growing consumer demand.

The investment of $650 million will include the addition of 150 jobs at the facility and add roughly 245,000 square feet of production space. The project is receiving an Alternative State Essential Services Assessment (ASESA) abatement approved by the MSF Board, valued at approximately $3.9 million.

WHY IT MATTERS: The company's Coopersville production facility has been part of the community since 2012 and currently employs more than 400 people, making it one of the state's largest dairy-related food processors. It has expanded several times over the past decade, strengthening and enhancing Michigan's $125.8 billion food and agriculture economy.

During today's meeting, the Board also approved: a separate request by Muskegon Countyto upgrade its wastewater infrastructure; a Michigan Business Development Program grant to La Colombe, a Chobani company; and a Michigan Community Revitalization Loan for 109 apartments in Grand Rapids.

NOTE FROM THE MEDC: Investment and job numbers represent the commitment made by the business to the state of Michigan. Terms will be formalized in a performance-based project agreement, with funds disbursed as reimbursement based on eligible expenditures, and are subject to amendment or cancellation if the commitments are not met due to risks or uncertainties. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation provides a public annual report on agreements and their status to the state legislature.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan's economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn, and Twitter.